Master plan for parks in the making

The fitness centre at Frank Jameson Community Centre is busy. The treadmills and stationary bikes are whirring; the weights clanking; like most fitness centers, there’s an air of intensity about the place, of people going about serious business.

As one of the most used facilities under the jurisdiction of Ladysmith’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, it will no doubt figure prominently in a Parks and Rec Master Plan that is currently being prepared by the Town of Ladysmith.

So Ladysmith’s Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Clayton Postings is hoping the fitness aficionados pumping and hoisting through their reps will take a break and respond to the town’s PR&C Survey.

The detailed questionnaire, which can be filled out at ladysmith.ca, or picked up in paper format at the municipal hall on the Esplanade or at Frank Jameson Community Centre at 810 Sixth Avenue, will provide Clayton and his team with a wealth of information… if people take the time to share their ideas.

“Get involved,” says a promotional slip on the FJCC front desk. “A new Parks, Recreation and Culture master plan is underway, and you have an opportunity for input into the future of programs, services, events, parks and trails.”

In fact, if you haven’t thought much about recreation and cultural opportunities in the town, taking the survey will be a great way for you to give the matter a little thought, and to gain some perspective on just how well endowed with PR&C opportunities Ladysmith is.

For many the survey will come as an eye-opener.

Helene Tomio, one of the stationary bike riders at FJCC, thinks its about time people started to get informed about the fitness opportunities in Ladysmith. “I think it’s a good thing, because people who don’t know about it won’t come out.” she said.

She’s at FJCC three times a week, in the fitness centre a couple of days and doing exercises in the pool one day. So she knows pretty well what she wants and seems to be pretty happy with what’s available.

But what about you?

The town wants to know how satisfied you are with its outdoor facilities: playgrounds, picnic areas, playing fields, public golf course, trails, neighbourhood parks, boat launches, community gar dents, bikeways and off leach dog areas.

They’d also like take it indoors, and get an idea of how satisfied you are with its: pool, fitness facilities, meeting rooms, youth rec room, swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs, fitness classes, child and pre-school programs, fitness classes, youth activities, adult programs, art classes, special events and family activities.

Mostly, they’re interested in what people do know about PR&C services in Ladysmith, and how they feel about what they know.

The master plan project is slated to wind up in April of this year and will include “an in-depth” community consultation, service review and recommendations to council, says a Nov. 2015 report to council.